THESE volunteers open their doors to everyone in the community offering local groups a place to meet.

But with escalating costs for rent and electricity, staff at the Martha and Mary Association are appealing to the community for help.

The community association, based on Chillingham Road in Heaton, Newcastle, are just one of more than 270 groups taking part in the Chronicle’s Wish campaign.

This year the Chronicle has a whopping £50,000 to give away between worthy causes in the region, such as charities and sports groups, registered on our Wish list.

The £50,000 cash pot will be divided by the number of tokens collected and the bigger your share of tokens, the bigger the slice of cash.

Volunteers at the Martha and Mary Association are calling on the community to support them by collecting tokens. Last year they received £124.01.

Elizabeth Screen, who volunteers at the drop-in centre, said: “Last year Wish was fantastic for us, we have tokens handed in and posted from people we didn’t even know supported us.

“We have very high rent and we want to continue what we already do and develop it as well,” added Elizabeth.

The back room at the drop-in centre is used for internet access, as well as meetings, and volunteers hope to use any money from Wish towards installing wi-fi.

Elizabeth said: “I think people should support us because really it is a good place in the community where people can come and have a chat and a cup of coffee, and unlike a cafe you can stay in our shop with that cup of coffee for as long as you want.

“It is a very welcoming place for people,” she added.

The association was set up by members of Heaton Road churches seven years ago.

“The idea came from some of the churches in Heaton, all along Heaton Road, that it was important people knew there were people in the churches who cared about the community so it started off with volunteers from all the churches,” said Elizabeth.

Now the association sees volunteers young and old, and even those from the student population, welcome members of the community every weekday from 10am to 2pm.

The community drop-in shop is open to all and used by the Parkinsons disability society and a craft group. The association offers holistic therapies, massage and reflexology.

Each group taking part in Wish this year desperately need their community to support them and collect tokens on their behalf.

To support the Martha and Mary Association, send your tokens to 212 Chillingham Road, Heaton, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE6 5LN.